Question : INDO-RUSSIA TIES

(a) whether there are unlimited possibilities for cooperation, between India and Russia in different fields;

(b) if so, the broad features thereof; and

(c) the further initiatives taken recently to improve India-Russia relations?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

(SHRI AJIT KUMAR PANJA)

(a) & (b) Indo-Russian relations are time-tested and based on continuity, trust and mutual understanding. Our interaction with the Russian Federation is comprehensive and multifaceted and encompasses all areas including political, economic, commercial, defence, scientific & technological and cultural spheres. These are based on shared perceptions and mutuality of interests and to mutual benefit.

(c) The recent 6th Session of the Indo-Russian Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation held in New Delhi on January 14 - 15, 2000 discussed bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade and economy, pharmaceuticals, power and non-conventional energy sources, oil and gas, coal, metallurgy, information technology, science and technology, environment and natural resources and culture. The Commission noted the overall progress in bilateral cooperation in these fields. During the recent visits of the Speaker of the State Duma of the Russian Federation and the Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Indo-Russian relations were discussed in their entirety as also steps for their further consolidation. Indo-Russian relations have been consolidated into a strategic partnership and a Declaration on Strategic Partnership between India and the Russian Federation will be signed during the next Indo-Russian Summit expected within the first ten days of October 2000 when the President of the Russian Federation, His Excellency Mr Vladimir Putin, will pay a State Visit to India.